Mets outfielder Lucas Duda will sit out for few days with leg trouble

Tim Farrell/The Star-LedgerLucas Duda has struggled in July. He's almost dealt with a leg injury for much of the time.

ATLANTA – Mets outfielder Lucas Duda is sitting out this afternoon against the Braves. Duda aggravated a lingering issue in his left hamstring on Friday night. He said he’s been dealing with the soreness for about two weeks.

The club hoped the All-Star break would help loosen up the muscles. Instead, the opposite occurred. Duda will rest for a few days. When he returns, his playing time may also decrease.

With Jason Bay coming off the disabled list next week, manager Terry Collins indicated he would often sit Duda against left-handers and play lefty masher Scott Hairston in right field.

What else is up?

1. Terry Collins, in essence, set Matt Harvey’s start on Monday with Triple-A Buffalo as an audition. A raft of Mets officials will be up there. If Harvey passes the eye test, he’ll be the team’s fifth starter on July 21, against the Dodgers at Citi Field.

2. No pressure, kid.

3. Collins also raised the remote possibility of calling up Zack Wheeler, who is currently smoking Double-A competition. Wheeler will be promoted to Triple A shortly. To hear Collins mention him as a late-season addition was startling, considering the team’s apprehension with rushing prospects.

One thing working against the possibility: Wheeler’s innings limit. He threw 115 innings last season, and in general, the Mets dislike allowing their prospects to throw 25 innings more the following year. Wheeler has already thrown 92 2/3 this season. For a variety of reasons, the Mets would prefer he finish the season with Buffalo.